this is such a good film, saw it the other day. feels odd how you can feel emotion for a doll but the film works, showing how people can pull together and help out with one mans illness. Ryan Goslings performance is absolutley superb!

This film caught me off guard, completely. It DOES sound like a bad idea, but the film is much more clever than its premise might lead you to think. It's a beautifully scripted and directed film and Gosling is just perfect. Watch it for a stellar turn from Emily Mortimer as well.

Not an out and out comedy, the film is concerned with Lars rehabilitation into society. Many of the early scenes of Bianca are very very funny, but the tone shifts - expertly so - as the story becomes more of a relationship drama of that between Lars and Bianca and the townspeople.

That the audience can treat Bianca as a real person by the end is remarkable.

i disagree with helen, it is lars sister-in-law's pregnancy that leads to his delusions, his fear of loving someone who could leave him (as his 3 family members have in different ways) that results in him loving a permanent fixture(the doll).

I couldn't get past the fact that the entire town bending over backwards for a Lars neurosis – no one ever mocking or beating the crap out of Lars for his peculiar fixation . It’s schmaltz cranked to Truman Show levels. Salvation comes from Gosling , the man can act more with his eyes than many an actor can with his whole body. In fact, it's the entire cast that stop the preposterous plot from falling down, and avoid the minefield of bad jokes. Also, why does half the cast look like they drssed in the dark at a charity shop?

It's such a beautiful film, really touches you and I'd never thought I'd say about a film about a sex doll, it's not just about that, it's about community as well, The acting is superb all the cast are great, and Ryan Gosling wow, not to give you anything away but the way he acts with the doll is beautiful and brings tears to your eyes. Kelli Garner is also superb as Margo and a fantastic charcther actress

I absolutely adored this film, most definitely the best thing I've seen this year. Funny and deeply touching (cried both times I've seen it), with Gosling turning in yet another excellent performance. Shot right into my Top 10 Films of All Time.

A really touching and heartfelt film. Sure the way the town rallys around Lars is unrealistic as is the fact that no-one openly mocks him but that's not what the film is about. It's about friendship and people needing each other and that's what makes the film work.

4/5

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"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

i disagree with helen, it is lars sister-in-law's pregnancy that leads to his delusions, his fear of loving someone who could leave him (as his 3 family members have in different ways) that results in him loving a permanent fixture(the doll).

this is a very well acted/directed film.

gosling will be a true great if he follows the right path

this is my first post, hello to you all

I think you're spot on about the pregnancy thing, isn't there a point in the doctors office where he expresses this fear? Anyway on the whole i don't really know how to feel about this film, i liked it but towards the end i just couldn't wait for it to finish as the longer it ran the more farcical it got, which i felt eventually took away from the main point.

I finally got to see this little gem of a movie at the electric in birmingham. It has brillaintly tempered performances, Gosling obviously further prving his skill but Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer proving exceptional as well. You even start to feel for Bianca midway through the film, however it is hard to believe everybody would be so accepting of the circumstance. So if you can suspend your disbelief and a bit you'll find a warm, kind-hearted, funny film =)

Well, I have to say that I strongly agree with Empire's review. "Lars and the Real Girl" is a powerful and touching drama that should teaches a lesson about the acceptance of different human conditions inside a comunity. In my point of view, Bianca is the Lars that Lars never wanted to be but in fact is. Confusing? Not much. Just watch the movie and enjoy a very swell time.

I lived in a Northern Canadian town just like this one for over a year and it is amazing how the townsfolk rally round each other. My Ukrainian wife also drew parallels with her home town. So the premise is accurate, to a certain extent. But that is not it. The relationships (or lack of, In Lars' case) are beautifully drawn and the performances superlative. A fantastic little experience. Loved it.